Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Summa

Christopher D. Summa has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9259569
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating pain or other conditions while minimizing possible complications and side effects. Treatment typically includes electrical stimulation and/or delivery of pharmacological or other agents with the use of a lead or catheter. The devices, systems and methods provide improved anchoring which reduces migration of the lead yet allows for easy repositioning or removal of the lead if desired. The devices, systems and methods also provide for simultaneous treatment of multiple targeted anatomies. This shortens procedure time and allows for less access points, such as needle sticks to the epidural space, which in turn reduces complications, such as cerebral spinal fluid leaks, patient soreness and recovery time. Other possible complications related to the placement of multiple devices are also reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel M. Brounstein, Albert G. Burdulis, Christopher D. Summa
  • Patent number: 8801626
    Abstract: Methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device. The neural stimulation tools described herein are configured to be flexible and low-profile, so that they can be used within body regions that may be tortuous or difficult to reach, such as within a compressed or partially occluded neural foramen. In most cases, these tools described herein are ribbon-shaped and adapted to be manipulated bimanually, applying force to the ends of the devices from separate locations outside of the patient's body. Thus, the distal end region of the device may be configured to couple to the proximal end of a guidewire. One or more surfaces of the devices may include an electrode or multi-polar network of electrodes configured to stimulate only nerves within a predetermined distance of a particular face of the device. Methods of using these devices are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Baxano Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kao-Shing Sun, Michael P. Wallace, Christopher D. Summa, Jeffery L. Bleich
  • Publication number: 20120123294
    Abstract: Methods for determining if a nerve is nearby a device. The neural stimulation tools described herein are configured to be flexible and low-profile, so that they can be used within body regions that may be tortuous or difficult to reach, such as within a compressed or partially occluded neural foramen. In most cases, these tools described herein are ribbon-shaped and adapted to be manipulated bimanually, applying force to the ends of the devices from separate locations outside of the patient's body. Thus, the distal end region of the device may be configured to couple to the proximal end of a guidewire. One or more surfaces of the devices may include an electrode or multi-polar network of electrodes configured to stimulate only nerves within a predetermined distance of a particular face of the device. Methods of using these devices are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin Kao-Shing Sun, Michael P. Wallace, Christopher D. Summa
  • Publication number: 20100292769
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating pain or other conditions while minimizing possible complications and side effects. Treatment typically includes electrical stimulation and/or delivery of pharmacological or other agents with the use of a lead or catheter. The devices, systems and methods provide improved anchoring which reduces migration of the lead yet allows for easy repositioning or removal of the lead if desired. The devices, systems and methods also provide for simultaneous treatment of multiple targeted anatomies. This shortens procedure time and allows for less access points, such as needle sticks to the epidural space, which in turn reduces complications, such as cerebral spinal fluid leaks, patient soreness and recovery time. Other possible complications related to the placement of multiple devices are also reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel M. Brounstein, Albert G. Burdulis, Christopher D. Summa